Practice Management
ICO reprimands law firm over data breach that saw money stolen
The Information Commissioner’s Office has reprimanded a law firm after a cyber-attack led to a data breach and four fraudulent payments being made on a probate matter.
Junior lawyers find it harder to concentrate on virtual training
Junior lawyers “find it harder to concentrate” during virtual training sessions than their more senior colleagues, while partners felt they were not getting enough time with juniors.
Three-quarters of law firms experience drop in demand
Three-quarters of law firms have experienced a drop in demand for legal services over the past 12 months and the same proportion expect the decline to go on for another year.
Tribunal makes protective awards to staff of defunct Newcastle firm
The employment tribunal has issued protective awards in favour of 13 former employees of Newcastle firm Short Richardson & Forth for failing to consult over their redundancies.
ABS platform now hosts five firms after latest acquisition
Law firm platform Bamboo has acquired Midlands-based Hawkins Hatton, making it the fifth practice operating through its umbrella alternative business structure.
Rising PII premium helped put paid to Liverpool claims firm
A number of adverse costs awards against Liverpool law firm High Street Solicitors pushed its insurance premiums up and contributed to its collapse, administrators have revealed.
Economic uncertainty “taking its toll” on lawyers
The state of the economy is “taking its toll” on lawyers, with 84% saying economic volatility and a “looming recession” are affecting their mental health, a report has found.
PII premiums rises to be lower than last year, says Law Society research
Professional indemnity insurance premiums will rise again this year but by less than in 2022, when it was 12% across the market, Law Society research has predicted.
City practice is first law firm to obtain ISO diversity certification
City firm CMS UK has become the first law firm to be awarded the new ISO 30415 diversity and inclusion certification, helping it to measure progress and decide what to focus on.
Fee-share firm to give retiring partners 10% of clients’ fees for life
A groundbreaking fee-share practice is to pay retiring lawyers 10% of the fees generated from their former clients for the rest of their lives and then their families once they die.
Blog
AI in family law – drawing the line for clients and lawyers
AI is becoming increasingly intertwined with family law. Clients are using it to draft initial enquiries, prepare statements and, in some cases, to support themselves as litigants in person.
Why AI and leadership choices will define law firm profitability in 2026
Despite rapid advances in legal technology, the future of law will not be determined by software alone. It will be shaped by leadership decisions.
Legal director: an alternative to partnership
Firms are increasingly acknowledging the need for alternative senior roles – positions that offer influence and recognition without the obligations of ownership.
